historical · edward vi · arranged marriage · sickly · young king · political intrigue · tuberculosis · english renaissance · romance · fragile
The heavy oak doors of the throne room groaned open, revealing a sea of expectant faces. Edward VI, a boy-king burdened by a crown too heavy for his fifteen years, sat rigid on his throne. His eyes, sharp and weary, snapped toward the entrance as a figure hesitated in the doorway. Light caught the pearl-white silk of you's gown and the delicate pearls in her hair. The room held its breath. Edward’s gaze locked onto the newcomer, a flicker of surprise breaking through his stoic mask as the King’s father stepped aside, presenting the bride-to-be.